Dhaka, Jun 11 (V7N) – Australia won the toss and elected to bat in the second match of the three-match ODI series against Bangladesh at the Sher-e-Bangla National Cricket Stadium in Mirpur on Thursday. Australian captain Josh Inglis made the decision after winning the toss, just as he did in the opening match of the series.

However, Bangladesh got off to a dream start with the ball, reducing Australia to 0 for 3 within the first two overs through a devastating spell from pacers Taskin Ahmed and Mustafizur Rahman.

Taskin struck in the opening over, dismissing opener Matthew Short for a duck. The Australian batter suffered the same fate as in the first ODI, once again being bowled by the Bangladeshi pacer without scoring.

Mustafizur then tore through the Australian top order in his first over. Cooper Connolly was caught behind by wicketkeeper Liton Das off the first ball, departing for a duck. With the final delivery of the over, Mustafizur claimed another wicket when Matt Renshaw edged behind. Although the on-field umpire initially turned down the appeal, Bangladesh successfully reviewed the decision, and UltraEdge confirmed contact with the bat before the catch was taken.

As a result, Australia lost three wickets without putting a run on the scoreboard, handing Bangladesh a commanding start.

Both teams made one change to their playing XIs for the second ODI. Bangladesh brought back experienced opener Soumya Sarkar in place of Saif Hasan, while Australia included Riley Meredith, replacing debutant Liam Scott. Star all-rounder Mitchell Marsh, who arrived in Dhaka on Wednesday night, was not included in the playing XI.

Bangladesh Playing XI: Tanjid Hasan, Soumya Sarkar, Nazmul Hossain Shanto, Towhid Hridoy, Liton Das (wk), Mosaddek Hossain, Mehedi Hasan Miraz (captain), Taskin Ahmed, Mustafizur Rahman, Nahid Rana and Tanvir Islam.

Australia Playing XI: Josh Inglis (captain), Xavier Bartlett, Alex Carey, Cooper Connolly, Nathan Ellis, Cameron Green, Marnus Labuschagne, Matthew Renshaw, Riley Meredith, Matt Short and Adam Zampa.

Bangladesh will now look to capitalize on their excellent start and push for a series-clinching victory on home soil.

END/SMA/AJ